Mat Ishbia, the governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, has expressed interest in reintroducing an NHL team to Arizona following the departure of the Arizona Coyotes.
Ishbia conveyed his enthusiasm for helping bring hockey back to the state, emphasizing his commitment to being an active member of the community and his desire to address the current absence of a hockey team.
His comments reflect a broader vision of Arizona as a city with a rich sports culture that includes hockey as an essential component.
The Coyotes faced significant challenges in securing a permanent venue, culminating in their temporary relocation to Arizona State University after their agreement with Glendale and Gila River Arena ended in the 2021-22 season.
Their struggle to find a stable home led to their roster and operations being sold to the Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) for $1.2 billion. SEG’s acquisition now includes the NBA’s Utah Jazz, MLS’s Real Salt Lake, the NWSL’s Utah Royals, and the newly established NHL team in Utah.
Ishbia’s disappointment over the loss of the Coyotes is evident, and he remains hopeful for a future where Arizona can once again support an NHL team. He views the city as deserving of a complete four-sport experience, including hockey alongside baseball, football, and basketball, and even considers soccer as an additional sport. This vision underscores his dedication to enhancing Arizona’s sports landscape.
In conjunction with his interest in reintroducing hockey, Ishbia is also focused on the development of a new arena.
While he praised the current Footprint Center as a top-notch facility for the Suns and Mercury, he acknowledges that a new arena might be necessary to accommodate the future needs of the teams and potentially a new NHL franchise. This reflects his long-term commitment to improving sports infrastructure in Arizona.
Ishbia’s aspiration to bring the NHL back to Arizona is a significant, long-term goal that aligns with his broader investment in basketball and community development.
Although achieving this goal may take time, Ishbia’s determination and strategic planning, including the possibility of a new arena, highlight his dedication to expanding Arizona’s sports offerings and securing a stable future for hockey in the state.
